Enrichment Experiences in Engineering (E3)

The goals of the E3 Teacher Summer Research Program are to:

• Introduce teachers to the latest in engineering research;
• Show teachers how math and the sciences integrate with engineering;
• Enhance laboratory skills and techniques;
• Reinforce educational research in inquiry, learning styles and diversity; and
• Excite secondary teachers and students about careers in engineering to support the study of math, science and CTE.

These goals will be achieved through four major components:

• Matching the school teacher with a faculty/researcher in engineering;
• A daily discussion time with educational specialists and master teacher(s) to help in the transfer of engineering research into math, science and CTE classroom projects;
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career awareness through discussions and field trip(s); and
• Training other teachers on the engineering classroom project developed while at Texas A&M.

• Secondary math, science, computer science or CTE teacher in Texas
• Actively involved in outside professional development activities
• Personal statement — ability to demonstrate how your participation will enhance the goals of the E3 program
• Status of U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Completed recommendation form by applicant’s principal or department head

• Ability to complete homework throughout the program to help the teacher transfer their research experience back to their classroom and create an engineering project/lesson plan.
• Following the program and implementation of the engineering project in the classroom, the teacher must either train two other teachers in related positions (trainees) within their school/district on the lesson or present the lesson plan at a STEM conference.

• Invitations to bring students back to Texas A&M.
• Free registration for the STEM 4 Innovation Conference for K-12 Education the following year.
• Summer stipend of $2,500 for three weeks of onsite/residential participation.*
• Additional $1,000 stipend for follow-up activities during the academic year.*
• $600 stipend for classroom implementation supplies.*
• $800 reimbursement to cover the costs of attending and presenting at a STEM conference.*
• Build laboratory skills through a research experience in an engineering research laboratory.
• Visit with engineers to learn about career options for students.
• Build lesson plans with engineering applications to take back to the classroom.
• Learn real-world applications of science and mathematics.
• Professional development credit.
• Onsite housing is provided in a Texas A&M University dormitory, with each participant in a private room.

• All teachers reported that the program changed their impression of what engineers do.
• Most reported that what engineers do is far more interesting than what they had initially thought.
• At the program's conclusion, most participants felt better able to promote the field of engineering to their students.
• Numerous teachers have developed “awareness of careers in science and engineering” programs for students in their schools.
• Immediately after the program, most teachers believed it would make a difference in their teaching.

The E3 master teacher position is a facilitator between the program's team, faculty and teachers. The master teacher should draw from his/her own useful experiences relevant to what the E3 teachers will encounter during the summer program and afterward in their classes. The master teacher will help lead the program and give knowledgeable advice, drawing on their prior experiences to convey the vision of the program. They must adapt curricular advice to E3 teachers who teach subjects other than those of the master teacher (e.g., a master teacher certified in math should be able to advise an E3 teacher certified in the sciences or career and technical education). The master teacher should be enthusiastic and approachable. The person should be able to "speak the language of education" when communicating with the participants. The master teacher must be a good problem solver and can provide participants with timely support to minimize the stress that they will encounter in the research lab. All former E3 participants are eligible to apply. 

Summer stipend of $2,500 for a 3-week on-site/residential participation, an email/phone follow-up and assistance throughout the school year as needed by the cohort.